Hands on hatching and help

[americantasha]

It hasn't moved today. I'm wondering if it's no longer alive or resting from being active. Today is day 25.

The beak is in the upper right side

 

[americantasha]

My little group from the weekend. They are so friendly!

They are so cute.

 

[WVduckchick]

The beak is in the upper right side

Position looks fine. Do you feel movement with your finger? I'd guess it quit. But cut a hole in the membrane right next to its beak. If it's still alive, you can peel that membrane away and see what happens. (I don't see any veins but Stop if anything happens to bleed)

 

[GraceHomestead]

Congrats! How long has the one had the big hole? Does it keep trying to just make it wider? Might need to intervene and help it out a little.

The hole has been there since 5:30 this morning. There are now 3 with holes like this and I went ahead and moved the other babies to the brooder because they were all over the eggs that are opened. When I moved the chicks I wrapped each egg loosly with wet paper towels. Should I "help" or wait?!?
[Video]

 

[WVduckchick]

The hole has been there since 5:30 this morning. There are now 3 with holes like this and I went ahead and moved the other babies to the brooder because they were all over the eggs that are opened. When I moved the chicks I wrapped each egg loosly with wet paper towels. Should I "help" or wait?!?

Myself, I'd give them a little more time. Make sure they stay active, and the membrane stays white or gray. Not brown. You can moisten it with Vaseline or coconut oil, or Neosporin. At least with a little dab of water.

And I don't like using the wet paper towels. The shell still needs circulation and ventilation. But your eggs, your call.

 

[GraceHomestead]

Two of the eggs has the white thick part showing and the inner layer that has the veins looks like it is laying on them and not attached to the egg.
The other one that was been pipped since 5:30 looks as iff it pipped too low out of the air pocket and in the side where the veins are?!? Not sure that makes since or not. Where it has pipped doesnt look white it looks like veins!

 

[americantasha]

Position looks fine. Do you feel movement with your finger? I'd guess it quit. But cut a hole in the membrane right next to its beak. If it's still alive, you can peel that membrane away and see what happens. (I don't see any veins but Stop if anything happens to bleed)

I popped the membrane,and the eye is closed and no movement.
I think it's safe to call it quits at this point.

 

[GraceHomestead]

Myself, I'd give them a little more time. Make sure they stay active, and the membrane stays white or gray.  Not brown.  You can moisten it with Vaseline or coconut oil, or Neosporin. At least with a little dab of water.

And I don't like using the wet paper towels.  The shell still needs circulation and ventilation.  But your eggs, your call. 

Ok thanks this is my first incubation and man oh man so many people doing so many different things...lol the no paper towels makes since I was just afraid they were getting to dry. I just read the shrinkwrapped thread and terrified that is what is going to happen!! :/

 

[WVduckchick]

I popped the membrane,and the eye is closed and no movement.
I think it's safe to call it quits at this point.

Awww so sorry..

Don't let it discourage you from trying more eggs. Unfortunately is all a learning process.

 

[WVduckchick]

Ok thanks

this is my first incubation and man oh man so many people doing so many different things...lol the no paper towels makes since I was just afraid they were getting to dry. I just read the shrinkwrapped thread and terrified that is what is going to happen!!

It does seem like the logical thing to do, but I think with more trial and error, we have found that its actually counter-productive. (ever read about misting duck eggs? - similar principal)

And again... your eggs -- your call. Don't let anyone scare you from trying or not trying. You have to do what you are comfortable with!